Clarence Milnes 1891-1918

MILNES

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/10/2018 at 10:19:42

11 April 1918 - West Branch Times

Springdale Boy Drowned in France
Clarence Milnes First Cedar County Boy To Give His Life For The Allied Cause While On Duty In France.

G. A. Milnes of Sprindale received the sad news by telegram Tuesday night of the death of his son, Clarence E. Milnes, by drowning, while on duty with his company in France on Sunday April 7. The telegram was very short and did not state the real facts concerning his death.

Clarence enlisted at Philadelphia, Pa., from which place he sailed for France on August 5, 1917. He was a member of Co. B, 19th Engineers, and had been in active service for some time. His brother, George, is also on duty in France.

Clarence was born in Sprindale, August 30, 1891, and grew to young manhood in that community. He was well and favorably known and well liked by all who knew him.

April 18, 1918 - West Branch Times

In honor of the heroic death of Clarence F. Milnes, the first from this community to give up his life in France, a memorial service was held Sunday afternoon at the M.E. church. A large number of sympathetic friends gathered for this occasion.

Long before the service commenced last Sunday afternoon the church was filled to its utmost capacity. Friends and relatives came from many adjoining towns to express sympathy and pay honor to one of "Our Boys" who had made the supreme sacrifice in the "front line of duty" "Somewhere in France."

Clarence was born at Springdale Aug. 30, 1891, and grew up to young manhood in this place. About eight years ago he went to Philadelphia where he was engaged in a lucrative business until the call came for volunteers to join the army. Being convinced it was his duty to offer his services, he threw aside all consideration of self and position and joined the Engineering Corps, being attached to Co. B of the 19th Regiment.

He was among the first to go to France, leaving Philadelphia Aug. 5th, 1917. Since then he had been actively engaged at the "front line".

The people of the community were shocked when the telegram arrived, stating: "Deeply regret to inform you that it is officially reported that Clarence E. Milnes of the Engineers died from drowning in line of duty April 7."

Clarence gave his life for his country at the early age of 26 years, 7 months and 8 days. He was one of the 100,000 of our Allied boys who, during the past year, made the "supreme sacrifice" and 100,000 more who have fallen in this new battle now raging.

The service was conducted by Rev. G. J. Chalice. The pastor taking his text from Acts 13:36 and dealt particularly on the words "He served his own generation" and declared that this was the most glorious epitaph that could be written on the tombstone of any man.

He also contrasted the great sacrifice our boys are making with ours at home and urged that we eliminate all selfishness at home in "doing our duty" by praying and paying.

The Sprindale orchestra under the leadership of Prof. R. Dunham played "The Star Spangled Banner," "The Pilot of Galilee", "The Vacant Chair" and "America", and Mrs. Ed Negus assisted by the school sang very impressive "Tenting Tonight". Since Sunday a letter dated March 12th has been received by his parents and at that time he was enjoying splendid health and working hard. He again sent thanks to the Red Cross for gifts received.